Bushplane Museum celebrates 75 years of the Beaver

Beaver Birthday Bash happens on Aug. 14

Beaver CF-OBS housed at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre was the first production de Havilland Beaver manufactured by de Havilland Canada. It was purchased by the Ontario Provincial Air Service in 1948 and was the first of a total of 44 aircraft purchased by them over the years. CF-OBS is the oldest production beaver in flying condition.Image supplied by the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre has big plans to celebrate the 75th birthday of one of Canada's most iconic aircraft – the Beaver.

The Beaver Birthday Bash happens from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14. The event includes:
   •   Live bands covering 70 years of hits
   •   New Beaver flight simulator and exhibit
   •   Beaver-themed games: aviator rubber ducky races, flying contests
   •   Silent Auction including an original painting by Tania Taraniuk-Caputo
   •   Beaver Tales from real bushpilots who have piloted the Beaver
   •   Model building and painting workshops (visit the website for booking details)
   •   BBQ, beer and birthday cake

Manufactured by de Havilland, production of the the Beaver ran from 1948 to 1967, states a news release issued by Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

The aircraft housed in the collection at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is the oldest Beaver model still in flyable condition and was originally purchased by the Ontario Provincial Air Service in 1948.

Designed to "take on the harsh challenges of developing the north", the beaver was named one of the top ten Canadian engineering achievements of the 20th century by the Canadian Engineering Centennial Board.

"Actor Harrison Ford owns about a dozen airplanes and has often said that if he could keep only one, it would be the Beaver," the release says.

The upcoming Beaver Birthday Bash on Aug. 14 is open to attendees of all ages. Admission is by donation.

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